One of the guiding principles at Brain Fit Academy is to "notice without worry or judgment". In the post titled "Notice" I talked about why noticing is an integral part of what we do and different ways that we help kids to "notice".
Today's post is about "holding space", and the reason why I mentioned noticing is that since we notice without worry or judgement, we also "hold space" in the same way.
The term "hold space" is actually new for me. I hadn't even heard of the term until a few years ago. And- maybe that's because of the circles I was in? Anyway- I've always kind of wondered what the exact definition of the term is, since different people use it in different ways. When I did a google search, what I found was this:
"“Holding space” means being physically, mentally, and emotionally present for someone. It means putting your focus on someone to support them as they feel their feelings. An important aspect of holding space is managing judgment while you are present"
Apparently, it seems the term comes from the therapy world and has become more mainstream lately. But boy, does it fit what we do at Brain Fit!
Now, as I've mentioned before- we aren't talk therapy, and in fact, we see breakthroughs all the time with very little talking. Instead, we move through emotions with goal setting and intentional movement. And as a client (child, teen or adult) moves through their emotions, what is the coach doing?
Holding space.
We are holding space for them. We are physically, mentally and emotionally present for them. We put our full focus and attention on them, and as I said before- it all happens without worry or judgement.
To me- "holding space" is about creating a safe place. Creating a relationship and environment that allow the client to feel safe enough to be vulnerable. Safe to share their struggles. Safe to share their struggles with words (if they can and/or wish to) or- to just feel the emotions inside themselves- in order to move through them.
I've talked many times about how when our emotions are swirling and we are in our "baby brain" it's pretty hard to feel comfortably safe. Our brain stem is constantly sending messages that we are in danger. And if our brain and body feels like it's in danger, are we able to access our thoughts? Most times, the answer is no. It's no because we are "reacting" instead of "responding".
If your child (or you!) were to come to a Brain Fit session with those "swirling" emotions, with that "reacting" instead of "responding" brain, what you would find is that safe space. You would find that the coach is ready and willing to "hold space" for your child. You would find that the coach is present, and focused on them. The coach is physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to be present with them, and for them.
Holding space is something we do all the time. We are here to help people and do so by creating that safe, caring, place. We open up, and "hold" space for those that need it, for when they need it. We hold space and we do it without any worry or judgment.
"Holding Space" may be a relatively new term in the mainstream. But really? It's just putting a name to what we already do.
Ready to bring your child to Brain Fit Academy? We welcome you with open arms. And of course, we have "space" ready and waiting to be "held". Ready and waiting just for you and your child.
